https://lsmarketingservices.co.uk/

LS Marketing Services Ltd, Faversham (2026)

23/04/2026

How can you spot an expert?

So often I read marketing material and content that suggests the person or business is 'experienced', 'successful', 'good quality', 'innovative', 'a disruptor' - an expert. But typically, they fail to provide any relevant case studies or reviews, and they have no awards or professional endorsements.

I heard a very interesting presentation yesterday from Dan Rook, owner of Chash - the Fine Tea Company. His take on what makes an expert is someone who has credibility and can demonstrate proven, consistent success in their field, and I wholeheartedly agree!

Rather than saying 'We provide innovative ideas blah blah blah', cut straight to the chase - tell me an example of when you were innovative... 'Just last week, I showed a client a quicker way of automating their social media scheduling, probably saving them 3 hours a week of wasted admin time'. I don't want buzz words, I want substance.

What makes you get in touch with someone and want to work with them or buy from them? Evidence! Proof that they are an expert, not just bold claims.

Dan doesn't claim to be a tea expert, but evidence suggests otherwise. He has meaningful, positive feedback from reputable tea growers across the world, he has won awards, and is consistently supplying his tea to premium clients, including The British Library. He doesn't need to call himself an expert; others are doing that for him.

And before you ask... the answer to 'milk before or after the tea' is... no milk!

26/03/2026

Community spirit... something you often hear about, but don't always see in practice.

Yesterday, I watched an interesting presentation from Luke King, who, amongst other things, runs The JobsBoard. Luke has a great deal of business experience and, like so many of us, has been through highs and lows. This recruitment platform offers an affordable way to list jobs and paid opportunities. Luke is working on expanding the community element of the platform, and I could see the passion he has. He really wants to help make recruitment more accessible for all businesses.

I know I go on about BoB Connections networking, but it's opened the door to so many interesting conversations and new ideas for me in my business and for my clients. I would not have had any reason to meet with Luke before meeting him at BoB, but his ideas have already sparked thoughts that I will be sharing with some of my clients looking to expand.

If you are intrigued about what happens, you're welcome to come along as a visitor with me. In case you're worried about what happens if you come along and like it... it's only every other Wednesday, you don't get homework, or told off for not giving referrals, and no one bites (well, not so far!).

16/02/2026

How often are you surprised by the people you meet?

I've met a lot of people through work over the years - some have become friends, some I highly respect, some are good fun, and some take a little more tolerance. Every so often, I find myself surprised.

Jake Bruce surprised me when we met. He was incredibly confident and spoke so articulately about the business he works for, Andrew Jaynes Ltd (they're a specialist timber window and door company in Canterbury). I went down to see what goes on in the workshops and to chat about some marketing ideas.

The surprising bit is that Jake is only 19. I appreciate that might sound patronising, and it really isn't meant to. I was just blown away by his confidence, his clear plans for his future and what he's already achieved. He has so much drive.

He also did the 10 minute presentation at BoB Canterbury last week (the networking group I wax lyrical about). To stand up in front of 50 business people takes courage, but to engage with those people and have them ask you questions afterwards takes skill.

It's not just that he is young that surprised me, but also his drive and positivity for his future. I hear so much negativity amongst business owners, how everything is tougher, more expensive, more competitive. Talking to Jake reminded me that I have plenty more years left to be imaginative with my business and my clients.

Remind yourself what a difference it makes to speak with someone who has a positive take on life! It might surprise you...

28/01/2026

Blockages come in all walks of life...

This morning I had cause to think about blockages in marketing as well as blocked drains...!

I started the day listening to some interesting information from Peter Bishop at Thanet Drainage. They offer a range of drainage services and have a trusted reputation. I was intrigued by how they utilise cctv in their diagnostics - not a camera I'd fancy being on the end of! My ears pricked up even more when Pete mentioned the fact that since they have increased their marketing, the phones are now constantly ringing. Marketing works if it's done well! They have had some great ideas and are utilising video, which can be a perfect way to highlight your business strengths.

I find it very exciting when I hear about marketing success stories. For me, it's not about who's doing your marketing, it's about whether your marketing is working. That's why I'm always so keen to share ideas, even if it's not me who's going to implement them.

I am a big advocate of maximising the resources you already have. And, if you have a good marketing plan in place and a reputable business to promote, there is a huge amount you can do yourself to spread the word.

On the reverse side of this, it's also very common for business owners to become their own blockage! Feeling like you should be able to do everything and then wondering why business is slow to come in, until you admit that, in trying to do everything yourself, many important tasks never actually happen. And marketing tends to be the most common casualty!

If you would like to chat through ideas or look at where your marketing is blocked, drop me a line. And if you have blockages of the drainage variety, I would highly recommend calling Pete!

14/01/2026

Whether or not you're a fan of AI, you will struggle to escape it. For me, AI tools can be a huge time saver - from brainstorming to research to rewriting old copy. BUT, the one thing I never rely on is its accuracy.

I am forever telling my children to question what they read online, to look at the sources and to try to make informed decisions about whether it's true. I have to follow my own advice.

If you are using AI to make decisions, always take time to read the evidence presented to you thoroughly. Can you trust the information, and what are the consequences for your business of making a rash judgement?

If you use AI to create promotional material for your business, read it before you share it! Is it a true reflection of your values and ethics? Does it make sense? Is it using UK spellings? Easy red flags for me that something is AI generated is seeing 'ze' spellings and a multitude of hyphens!

This morning was my fortnightly networking meeting, something I never fail to look forward to because I have so many interesting conversations.
Matthew Ryde from Graham John and I were chatting about issues with AI today, and as soon as I got back in the car, the BBC was reporting on the police referencing incorrect evidence in a major report. Will this be the first of many major AI admissions...?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c394zlr8e12t

I also had the pleasure of listening to a talk from David Dunne from award winning BAQUS Construction and Property Consultancy. David is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and has worked on some incredible building projects. He is clearly an expert in his field, and he's a 4th Dan black belt in Karate, another great discipline.

If you're interested in expanding your business network in 2026, why not come along as a visitor to BoB? The next meeting is 28th Jan at Canterbury Golf Club.

18/12/2025

21....... that's how many people I thanked at my BoB networking meeting yesterday (not my age, sadly!) I have either worked with or used the services of all those people in just the last year. And not because I have to, or they have to. It's because they offer great services, and they are reliable, and I hope they believe that of me and my services too.

I've been asked a couple of times recently why I network, having never done anything like this until last year. The reason I joined was that I love running my own business, but I hate working on my own as much as I do. I missed colleagues and people to bounce ideas off, people who share similar challenges and irritations, and I missed having a Christmas work do! Anything else I've had since joining in terms of work and new clients has been a total bonus. And one I'm very thankful for.

I have worked with some challenging clients in the past, but I honestly can say that I respect and enjoy working with all the business owners I currently work with. There is nothing better than seeing a business grow and expand that you actually want to help!

I'm looking forward to what 2026 has in store. Let's hope it's a good one...

And, if you haven't tried networking before, I can thoroughly recommend it. If you fancy a free taster meeting in the new year, let me know.

04/12/2025

Your customer/client database is a goldmine, and it's probably your biggest asset. The sad truth is, you've probably never thought of it in this way. The first thing I ask any new clients is what they are doing to stay in touch with the people or businesses who have already spent money with them. It costs so much more to find a new customer or client than it does to nurture one you already have!

But, to fully utilise your database, to keep in touch with existing and lapsed customers, to reconnect with new promotions or relevant offers, and to know you are literally ticking the right boxes, you need to speak with a GDPR expert. And it just so happens that I know a great one... Judith Andrews CIPP/E, Cert DA

I first met Judith at my BoB networking group in Canterbury. Since then, we have supported each other with various queries on both sides. Yesterday, at BoB, Judith shared ideas on some of the things that, as business owners, we should all be considering, and how she could help support our businesses.

Have we all got privacy policies that accurately reflect what happens in our businesses and what we do with data? Are we storing data safely, and do we know who has access to it? Judith explains the jargon and makes these topics relevant to your business, and I have referred a few of my clients to her for more advice.

GDPR and data privacy are not something to be fearful of, if you are doing your due diligence...

If you are not fully utilising your data, or you don't have a privacy policy... Judith has a great book available on her website to help get you started (see my comment for the link), or I'd be happy to connect you both. And, once you know your data is ship shape, drop me a line about how we can get it making you more money!

And, if you're looking for a new place to connect with more local businesses, you can come along as a visitor and see what BoB Canterbury is all about...

20/11/2025

Exactly a year ago, I started working with a new client C.S Heating & Plumbing Ltd based over in Thanet. Since then, I've seen first hand the level of service they provide to their customers, right down to the clever blue carpet protector sheets they use (sometimes it's the small things that offer the most excitement)!

I have been proud to support this team with their marketing because I can see that they deliver the values they promote. It's one thing to shout about how trustworthy you are, and how you pick up the phone quickly and arrive when you say you will. This company does what they promise. And that is a marketer's dream! Those of you who work in marketing know you sometimes have to dig really deep to find the real benefits your clients offer their customers, and you might even have questioned their ethics at times.

CS Heating have been growing over the last few years, and I am pleased to be a part of that journey with them. I'm looking forward to what the next few years hold, because the future looks exciting.

Yesterday, Paul Deadmon and Sophie Smith from C.S Heating spoke at my networking group. They were interviewed by Canterbury's answer to Piers Morgan... Mat Butler from Neptune Bars
They spoke from the heart about why CS Heating was started and how their customers remain at the heart of what they do.

If you are considering a new bathroom, or you have a tap that won't stop dripping, I can highly recommend reaching out to them. And of course, mention you found them on my Facebook 😉

10/11/2025

If any of you need any graphic design work done, I cannot recommend Rob Parker highly enough. We have collaborated on several projects this year and he's impressed me every time with his ideas and the speed he manages to pull things out the bag when it's a rush! So, if you are keen for some new ideas, let me know and I can make a connection.
Whether you're thinking about creating logos, brochures, case studies, pop up banners, business cards that are actually worth handing out, or even bigger projects like billboards and signage.
I also now have the pleasure of sharing an office with Rob sometimes, not sure he sees it as such a pleasure...😁

I've met a lot of local Kent businesses over the last few years, many I like and have been pleased to get to know, but only a few I can put my hand on my heart and truly recommend because they have shown me great work. I first met Rob at my BoB Canterbury networking group. It was Rob's turn to do the 10 minute presentation last week, and I hadn't realised until then that he has been running Go Vicinity Creative for 15 years. It was really interesting to see how things have evolved for him.

22/04/2025

Marketing can be so much simpler than you think. But if you don't know your end goal, or you don't have a plan, or the right people to implement your plan and show you what is working, it's hard!

I want more business owners to ask questions about their marketing.

Whether that's asking me or asking your current marketing team.

No.1 question... what is your marketing actually achieving for your business and your profits? And, don't rely on people around you just saying it's working - where is the proof?

Whether you spend £100 or £10k a month on marketing, if you don't know what you've generated from that investment, then why spend anything? As a business owner, it's your right to know where your business is spending money.

Let's say you spend £500 on a couple of marketing activities, and you have the figures to show that it's generated £2k worth of business - you need to know whether both activities worked equally well. If one generated a higher result, think what would happen if you doubled or tripled your spend... perhaps double or triple the profit. And what about the activity that didn't work so well - well, you either alter and retest it or you stop doing it and direct that spend where it is working!

If you're not asking these questions, your business is almost certainly not achieving its potential.

I offer my clients the opportunity to test new ways of generating more clients or customers, and to get them spending more money and more frequently. Plus a chance to address whether they are actually generating the type of enquiries they want to work with - the concept of an 'ideal client' is very important and easily forgotten. BUT first, I look at what they can be doing for 'free', and that usually comes from prioritising the clients or customers they have already...

If you'd like an informal chat about ideas, drop me a line. Watch my take on things first.

LS Marketing Services Ltd

23/04/2026

26/03/2026

16/02/2026

28/01/2026

14/01/2026

18/12/2025

04/12/2025

20/11/2025

10/11/2025

22/04/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category